Mindfulness is a common term that you’ll come across when exploring ways to prioritize your well-being. But what is it, how does it relate to your overall wellness and is practicing it the right option for you? We’ve got the answers to these questions and more, so let’s dive in!
Mindfulness—buzzword or buzz-worthy?
Mindfulness is the practice of being in tune with your surroundings (whatever’s happening in the current moment) and accepting the accompanying thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgement. It might sound difficult, but the concept is actually quite simple: just allow a situation to happen and try to calmly observe your reactions, without acting on them impulsively. As with most things, it takes practice to master, but don’t worry—we’ll share some easy exercises to try later in this article.
While the term has become more popular over the past decade, it’s by no means a new concept, having been around in one form or another for centuries. It continues to gain popularity, and has been integrated into many western psychologists’ toolkits thanks to its benefits.
Wondering about those benefits? Whatever your reason for exploring mindfulness, it has plenty of positives to offer! It’s been shown to help improve overall well-being and quality of life through the reduction of stress and mild anxiety and improved mood management, and has even been linked to lowered blood pressure.1
All in all, it seems like a pretty useful addition to any wellness routine, so we’d say it’s definitely worth the buzz.
Wrapping your Mind Around Mindfulness
People often use ‘mindfulness’ and ‘meditation’ interchangeably, but they’re not one and the same— meditation is just one of many ways to practice mindfulness! Whether you want to explore more active forms, like mindful walks, or more introspective exercises, like conducting a body scan, they’re all considered mindfulness practices.
Finding what works best may take some trial and error, but we’re confident you’ll find something that’s right for you. Here are some ideas to help you explore the concept:
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- Mindful eating. Sitting down to eat—whether with family, friends or on your own—is the perfect opportunity for a mindful moment. Start by removing distractions from the table (put phones away) and your surroundings (make sure the TV is off). Focus on the full experience of your meal. Notice smells, tastes and textures as you’re eating, and how each of these sensory experiences makes you feel. Not only will this keep your mind present on the task at hand, but you’ll enjoy your meal that much more. Remember that your Arcora Employee Assistance Program includes access to support from a registered dietitian, if you’re interested in exploring this practice and your relationship with food further.
- Mindful walking. Going out for a stroll in your neighbourhood or a nearby park is a great way to connect with your surroundings. Immerse yourself in the environment you’re walking in—what do you see, hear, smell? Does anything in particular stand out? How are you feeling as you walk around? What thoughts come into your mind? Noticing all of this and more while out for a walk can help ground you, allow you to think more clearly and increase feelings of calm.
- Mindful conversations. Talking with a close friend or confidant may feel therapeutic all on its own, but when you incorporate mindful practice into your conversations, the impact is even greater. This might look like making sure your attention is fully on the person you’re speaking with, listening carefully to hear what they’re saying instead of trying to think about how you’ll respond, removing distractions and trying not to hold expectations for the conversation by letting it flow and evolve naturally.
No matter the mindful practice you choose, the general idea is the same—be present.
Want to dig a little deeper?
We’re here to help! Our network includes counsellors who offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques. If you’re feeling like you could benefit from counselling support, including the ability to explore mindfulness for your mental health, contact us.
1 Babak, A., Motamedi, N., Mousavi, S. Z., & Ghasemi Darestani, N. (2022). Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Blood Pressure, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Hypertensive Adult Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study. The journal of Tehran Heart Center, 17(3), 127–133.
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